With September in the rearview mirror, we are looking back at this year’s Driver Appreciation Week celebrations.
September 16-20 was a week dedicated to recognizing our incredible drivers here at PAM. While we greatly appreciate their contributions year-round, this week we honored our “Highway MVP’s” with events and lunches.
Acknowledging our Drivers
All 14 terminals held events with merchandise, games, prizes, and more! PAM hosted a company-wide raffle with chances to win awards such as AirPods, coolers, sunglasses, and speakers.
Aside from our raffle, terminals provided games on-site with prizes for the winners. Drivers were also gifted tee shirts and hats.
For drivers who were unable to attend the appreciation week festivities, a lunch/dinner reimbursement was offered, providing these staff members with a meal on PAM!
Making it Happen
Set-up for these events occurs over multiple months. With the week of celebrations reaching across 14 locations, it is a long process to ensure that all our drivers are recognized.
Each location is provided with an outline of how the week should go, and these terminals help bring the ideas to life. “We give them a base to get started and the terminals build off of that,” says Chelsea Wood, Director of Recruiting.
North Jackson’s appreciation week activities included a dunk tank and chili cookoff this year.
Jason Erb, North Jackson Terminal Manager, says that this year’s events had an impressive turnout with many drivers coming through.
According to Erb, Driver Appreciation Week “deepens support staff’s connection with the drivers on a personal level.”
“My favorite part is having our drivers together at the terminals and being interactive,” says Wood.
The Importance of Driver Appreciation Week
While this week was packed with gifts, prizes, and lighthearted fun, Driver Appreciation Week is also an opportunity for PAM staff to come together and promote an understanding of how we can better support our drivers and ensure their success.
Drivers are vital to the success of PAM Transport. Vice President of Driver Resources, Gary Kirby, has been involved in over 20 Driver Appreciation Week Celebrations throughout his career.
“It is important to honor the essential workers for their commitment,” says Kirby. “Without drivers, we don’t have a trucking company.”
Thank You.
Drivers: you are so valued and appreciated at PAM, and we are extremely grateful to have every one of you on our team.
Thank you for all that you do, and thanks so much to those who attended!